The South African Communist Party (SACP) threatened on Thursday to escalate mass action if Merafong — a cross-border municipality — is incorporated into North West.
Merafong includes Carletonville and Khutsong, which were part of Gauteng. The remainder of Merafong, including Fochville, is part of North West.
The SACP’s announcement follows a decision by the Gauteng legislature to support the Bill that would make all of Merafong part of North West.
SACP branch secretary Nkosiphendule Kolisile said public hearings by the Gauteng legislature showed that the community was in favour of remaining in Gauteng.
”We will write letters to the minister of provincial and local government, Parliament and all relevant bodies asking them to agree that the same situation of Matatiele be applicable to Merafong as well.”
Kolisile said if the relevant bodies did not concede, the SACP would approach the Constitutional Court in September.
”We are fully aware that our government cares less about the working class and that they mainly serve the interests of the ruling class,” he said.
According to Kolisile, his district wants Minister of Provincial and Local Government Sydney Mufamadi to step down as he has ”failed” the country and continues to ”undermine the very same values our people struggled for”.
”He must resign before he brings more shame and embarrassment to our nation.”
Kolisile said the SACP wants Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula to intervene in the matter.
”Police agreed to the march in Khutsong, but when Merafong wants to stage a peaceful protest, they want to forbid it. So the minister, as he is in charge of the South African police force, can help in this matter.” — Sapa